Groomsman#Best man
The Best Man is a named person who is present at a marriage and this act witnessed by signature.
Legal situation in Germany
For the civil ceremony no more witnesses are required in Germany since 1 July 1998. According to § 1312 of the Civil Code, however, can be up to two named by the bride and groom. In the GDR, since 1955 there have been no witnesses, with the disappearance of the GDR law in the wake of reunification, but these were introduced in 1990, first back for the accession area.
Also in the grounds of a same-sex civil partnership after the Civil Partnership Act, it is possible that two witnesses be named. ( LPartG § 1, paragraph 2)
Legal situation in Austria
In Austria, two witnesses are required. Since 1 November 2013 can according to § 18 paragraph 3 Civil Status Act 2013 ( PStG 2013) the wedding ceremony without or with only one witness shall be performed when both fiancée explain this.
In the case of a registered partnership no witnesses are provided. The Constitutional Court has made clear in January 2013 in its decision B 125 /11 B 138/11 that at the request of the partnership Advertisers two escorts priority should be given a special place and to give them the opportunity to watch the event in a special way.
Legal situation in Switzerland
In Switzerland ( Civil Code Article 102 ) two witnesses are required.
Canonical situation
The Roman Catholic Church is in accordance with CIC Can. 1108 § 1 requires for a valid marriage, the presence of two witnesses. In the Protestant church the validity of a civil marriage is recognized and is a prerequisite for subsequent ecclesiastical blessing ceremony at which witnesses may be present, but are not mandatory.
Traditions
In general, a witness of the bride, another is determined by the groom. The placement of the witnesses is not mandatory. Before the ring exchange usually takes the best man the bride the bride's bouquet, while the best man of the groom reaches the rings. But even here there are variations.
In addition, it is customary that the best man in charge takes care of the planning and implementation of the bachelor farewell.